Karol G to Receive the International Artist Award of Excellence and Perform at 2026 AMAs
Karol G to Receive the International Artist Award of Excellence and Perform at 2026 AMAs
Angelique BrenesWed, May 13, 2026 at 10:35 PM UTC
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Karol G performs in Sao Paulo in September 2025
Credit: Buda Mendes/Getty
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Karol G will receive the International Artist Award of Excellence at the 2026 American Music Awards and perform during the ceremony
The honor comes weeks after the singer made history as the first Latina artist to headline Coachella
Karol G's current world tour sold more than 2 million tickets in four days, according to the event's press release
Karol G is adding another major milestone to her career.
The Colombian superstar will receive the International Artist Award of Excellence and take the stage as a performer at the 52nd American Music Awards later this month, CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced on Wednesday.
The prestigious honor, which was last awarded to Whitney Houston in 2009, recognizes artists whose music and cultural influence have resonated around the world. Previous recipients include Aerosmith, Bee Gees, Beyoncé, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart.
The announcement comes on the heels of a history-making year for Karol G, who became the first Latina artist to headline Coachella in April. During her emotional set in Indio, Calif., the singer reflected on the significance of the moment while addressing the crowd.
Karol G
Credit: Courtesy of CBS
“I want to present myself. I am Carolina from Medellín, Colombia and today I am the first Latina woman to headline Coachella,” Karol G said during the performance. “And I'm very happy and very proud about this but at the same time it feels late. There has been 27 years of this festival going on and it's the first time a Latina girl is headlining Coachella.”
The singer went on to dedicate the milestone to the Latino community.
“So this is not just about me, this is about my Latino community, this is about my people,” she said. “And at the same time, this is for my Latinos that have been struggling in this country lately.”
According to the press release, Karol G's current Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour sold more than 2 million tickets in just four days and expanded from 39 to 63 stadium shows worldwide due to overwhelming demand. The tour supports her 2025 album Tropicoqueta, which earned three AMA nominations this year, including Best Latin Album.
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Karol G performs on the runway for Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York City in October 2025
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty
The award also marks another career high for the singer, who has amassed more than 128 billion career streams and over 310 RIAA Platinum certifications in the U.S., according to the release. Her 2023 album MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO made history as the first Spanish-language album by a woman to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
In a statement included in the release, executive producers Barry Adelman and Alexi Mazareas praised Karol G's global impact on music and culture.
“Karol G has redefined what it means to be a global artist. Through her authenticity, groundbreaking achievements, and powerful connection with fans around the world, she has helped bring Latin music to unprecedented heights,” they said. “We are proud to honor Karol G with the International Artist Award of Excellence for her extraordinary impact on music and culture worldwide.”
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Karol G attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles in March 2026
Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty
Karol G previously opened up to PEOPLE in 2024 about the emotional journey behind her MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO era, which earned her a Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album.
“I'm full of emotions. I can't believe that something this big came off one of the hardest moments of my life,” she said at the time. “I was just doing music, trying to heal my heart.”
The 52nd American Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+.
Queen Latifah will host the ceremony, which will also feature performances from Hootie & the Blowfish, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor and Twenty One Pilots.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
